RUMFORD — What does a student do when she has taken all the courses the school has to offer and wants to learn more? Such is the case for Mountain Valley High School senior Katie Billings. She already had taken five years of high school science and wanted more.

“Unfortunately not enough students signed up for Advanced Placement science courses, so those classes were not offered,” Billings said. “I asked guidance what the next step would be and they suggested Project Aspire.”

High School Aspirations Incentive Program allows high school students to take college courses through University of Maine at Augusta in an effort to raise the educational aspirations of Maine students. The program pays tuition and the student pays for books and fees.

Principal Matt Gilbert said, “I’m glad our students have access to courses we do not offer within our school. It is a great chance for highly motivated students to challenge themselves at a higher level.”

“After I decided to take biology, I had to get my guidance counselor’s approval and the principal’s approval,” Billings explained. “They want to make sure that a student knows how challenging the class will be.”

Billings began her biology class before high school started for the year. Her class is in the science wing of MVHS.

Billings reported, “The class is going well. It is lecture-style rather than interactive like high school classes. You have to take responsibility for your education because they don’t baby you. You go through an entire chapter in one night. Then it’s up to you to learn the material outside the classroom.”

Dr. Anne Morin, UMA professor of biology, said, “A college class is not for every high school student, even smart students. The student has to be self-motivated, able to keep their eye on the prize and not let anything deter them. Katie is doing a great job in my class.”

Asked if she would recommend Project Aspire to other high school students, Billings said, “I would definitely recommend it if a student plans to go into a medical field or other science. It gives you an idea of what the workload is like. You also work with people of different ages and with whomever you’re assigned. In short, it’s a taste of being an adult.”

Billings has plans for her future beyond MVHS. “I want to pursue a career in the sciences, probably pre-med but research is also a possibility. I thought the refresher in biology would help me my first year in college.”

In addition to taking a full load of high school classes and a college class, Billings plays varsity tennis and dances year-round. She is president of the MVHS chapter of National Honor Society, public relations officer for Maine NHS, president of Peer Helpers, community chair in Interact Club and a member of the math team.

Copy the Story Link